Konya, Turkey, July 3, 2017. On the first day of pool play at the inaugural CEV U17 Volleyball European Championship – Men, there were victories for Serbia, Italy, Bulgaria, Belgium, Turkey and Belarus as they started their campaigns on a positive note at the Konya Municipality Sports and Congress Center.
Serbia vs. Greece 3-1 (15-25, 27-25, 26-24, 25-22)
In the first match of the tournament, Serbia came from behind to beat Greece 3-1. However, their coach Ognjen Bulic was not surprised by his side’s sluggish start.
“My team always plays very badly and nervously in the first set,” he explained. “After they manage to sort their game, it all goes smoothly. We have to reach sixth place as a minimum. We are from Serbia and we are born to be champions.”
Italy vs. Russia 3-2 (25-18, 15-25, 25-20, 25-27, 15-12)
In Pool II Italy were pushed all the way by Russia but eventually overcame them in a tiebreak fifth set. Italy coach Bruno Morganti was happy with his side’s performance in what was a long opening encounter but is under no illusion about what lies ahead.
“The match was very difficult and Russia’s serves were very strong,” he explained. “We are very good in defence and attack. Russia are the hardest team in the pool but every match will be tricky.”
Bulgaria vs. The Netherlands 3-1 (22-25, 30-28, 26-24, 25-12)
Despite winning the opening set, the Netherlands were beaten by the bleached-haired Bulgarians in their opening match of the competition. “It was important to start with a win,” Bulgaria coach Dragan Ivanov said.
With a smile he talked about the colour of the team and coaching staff’s hair. “We promised the players that if they coloured their hair like this then we would do it with them. It’s all part of the team spirit within the Bulgarian team.”
Czech Republic vs. Belgium 1-3 (25-23, 19-25, 24-26, 17-25)
Belgium were winners in the second match in Hall B. They lost a close first set before fighting back in the second, but then got the job done without needing the tiebreak. Coach Wim De Boeck accepted it was a learning experience for his players.
He said: “It was an expectedly difficult match. They are young players in new surroundings. It was a battle and tough to play our game. We must learn from each game that we play.”
Turkey vs. Finland 3-0 (25-20, 25-21, 26-24)
In front of the biggest crowd of the day, Turkey put on a dominant display against Finland and used the positive vibes coming from the stands to win in straight sets. After the match, coach Hüseyin Düzceler praised his side’s mentality and was also looking forward to their next match against the Netherlands on Tuesday.
“The first matches of this type of tournament are always difficult,” Düzceler said. “The match was extremely challenging, but we know how to win. Now we have the Netherlands match. I hope that we will win this contest and we will be in a better position morally.”
Belarus vs. Spain 3-1 (24-26 , 25-11, 26-24, 25-19)
In the final game of the day in Pool II, Belarus came from behind to beat Spain. Despite the result, Belarus were unhappy with their overall performance.
“There were many mistakes in the match today,” outside spiker Maksim Fralenkou explained. “Problems with serves, reception and also spikes. We must improve. For us we could finish first, second or third. That’s the target.”
The second round of pool matches are on Tuesday as each team once again goes for maximum points in Konya.